Switched Parallel Capacitor Tuning Element for Wider RF Tuning Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio frequency devices face limitations in increasing the tuning ratio of their tuning elements, which restricts the adjustability of radio frequency parameters such as radiation intensity, resonance frequency, and phase.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a tuning element with a first capacitor element and a second capacitor element connected in parallel, featuring a switch and capacitors, allowing for enhanced capacitance range and improved tuning ratio, thereby increasing adjustable radio frequency parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single capacitor element is used in the tuning element, then the device complexity is low, but the tuning ratio is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning ratioVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tuning element is segmented into multiple capacitor elements (first capacitor element with switch and first capacitor, second capacitor element with second capacitor) connected in parallel. This segmentation allows each capacitor element to contribute differently to the total capacitance, enabling a wider tuning ratio while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first capacitor element incorporates a switch that can dynamically connect or disconnect the first capacitor from the circuit. This dynamic configuration allows the total capacitance to be adjusted between different states (with or without the first capacitor), significantly expanding the tuning ratio without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple capacitor elements are connected in parallel to increase capacitance range, then the tuning ratio increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitance rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor system is divided into distinct segments (first capacitor element and second capacitor element) with different capacitance values. The first capacitor element includes a switch and first capacitor, while the second capacitor element includes only a second capacitor. This segmentation enables independent control of each element's contribution to the total capacitance, achieving wide capacitance range adjustment while managing complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch in the first capacitor element provides dynamic control over the capacitance configuration. By selectively connecting or disconnecting the first capacitor, the system can dynamically adjust the total capacitance between different states, achieving a wide tuning ratio without requiring complex multi-switch arrangements or reconfigurable topologies for the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively enhances the tuning ratio of the tuning element, leading to increased adjustable radio frequency parameters and improved radiation direction of electromagnetic waves.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor element including a first switch and a first capacitor electrically coupled to the first switch and a second capacitor element including a second capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4246817A1Electronic device with tuning element
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 INNOLUX CORP
  • EP4246817A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4246817A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4246817A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device (1) including a tuning element (10) is provided. The tuning element (10) includes a first capacitor element (100) including a first switch (T1) and a first capacitor (C1) electrically coupled to the first switch (T1) and a second capacitor element (102) including a second capacitor (C2). The first capacitor element (100) is electrically connected in parallel with the second capacitor element (102).